Thursday, October 11, 2012

Smithsonian to Launch New Think Tank?

Globalization has been a hot topic for the past 50 years or so, but
some experts believe that it might have actually started 500 years ago following
Christopher Columbus' expedition.

That's what author Charles Mann said at a Smithsonian Institution event,
"Anthropocene: Planet Earth in the Age of Humans," on Thursday at the Natural
History Museum.

Twenty five experts from varying backgrounds gathered for a series of
presentations and panel discussions on how humans have affected change on the
planet. Topics ranged from the earth's ecology and biology, to literature, art,
and education.

"This idea of change is what we thought would link us all together," said John
Kress, one of the directors of the Smithsonian's Grand Challenges Consortia, an
interdisciplinary collaboration with four branches: Bio-diversity, World Cultures,
Mysteries of the Universe, and the American Experience.

Kress and the other directors invited well-known scientists, authors, artists, and
anthropologists to discuss their perspectives on how the globe has rapidly changed
since humans have existed.

He said he hoped Thursday's event would be the beginning of a think tank of
scholars discussing human impact on the globe and reaching out to the public
through books and films.

About Me

Think Tank Watch is a one-stop-shop for learning and thinking about think tanks. It covers domestic and global think tank news, gossip, personnel, reports, studies, and pretty much anything else related to think tanks. Think Tank Watch can be found cruising the mean streets of "Think Tank Row" and beyond, attending scores of think tank events each year. Since its founding in 2012, Think Tank Watch has become the #1 source of think tank news and gossip in the world. Questions, comments, and tips can be sent to:
info (at) thinktankwatch.com